"CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric has narrowed down the possible homes for her planned syndicated talk show to ABC or CBS, according to a person familiar with the process.
A departure from CBS is by no means assured as the exiting anchor — CBS named Scott Pelley as her successor on Tuesday — decides what to do when her contract expires June 4.
Also read: Scott Pelley Replacing Couric at 'Evening News'
Couric plans to launch a syndicated daytime talk show in fall of 2012. The financial incentives are similar enough at both conglomerates that money won't be the deciding factor, the person said.
CBS would appear to have the edge over ABC in several ways: Couric has, at least publicly, expressed general satisfaction at CBS over the last five years. And syndication arm CBS TV Distribution boasts many of the most successful syndicated shows, including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Dr. Phil," and "Rachael Ray."
Another person, an industry insider who does not work at CBS, said it seemed like "a real longshot" that Couric would leave CBS.
The same insider said it was unlikely any other network would make Couric a formal offer while she is still under contract with CBS, because CBS would likely have the contractual right to match the offer.
TheWrap reported a month ago that Couric was, at the time, considering NBC and CNN, as well as ABC and CBS.
Staying at CBS could allow Couric to contribute more regularly to "60 Minutes." It was unclear whether she would be offered a similar opportunity at ABC's highly regarded but less-prestigious "20/20."
The New York Post reported in March that Couric turned increasingly to online reporting during her time at "Evening News" because "60 Minutes" producers didn't give her enough assignments.
A CBS representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment Tuesday.